Double murder trial in Itawamba County set for Oct. 8

The trial for accused double-murderer Jake Carpenter has been tentatively set for Oct. 8 in Itawamba County.
Although set for the time being, the date and location of the trial may be moved based on potential motions from Carpenter’s attorneys.
Carpenter is charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of robbery for his alleged involvement in the March 24, 2011, stabbing deaths of Mildred Joy House and her husband Fred Doyle House, both of 509 Spencer Road, Fulton.
Carpenter is the son of their neighbor. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial is scheduled to be presided over by Judge Paul Funderburk.
Late last week, prosecutors filed a motion to allow the video testimony of an alleged witness. Judge Funderburk ordered a continuance on the motion to allow Carpenter’s defense time to prepare. The arguments for and against allowing the testimony will be made later this month.
The accused continues to be held without bond in the Itawamba County Jail.
Carpenter allegedly broke into the House home with the intention of robbery. The Houses arrived home during the intrusion, and an altercation ensued that led to the repeated stabbing of both victims.
Carpenter then allegedly stole the victims’ car and took it to a location in Russellville, Ala.
Law enforcement agents tracked Carpenter using the help of a former girlfriend. He was taken into custody by the Russellville City Police and then transferred to the Itawamba County Jail.
Originally, Carpenter had been charged with murder and grand larceny, but his charges were upgraded to capital murder.
Capital murder charges, which are incurred when a second crime accompanies a murder, allows for the possibility of the death penalty.